Black Church Faces $3,500 Fine From City Officials Because White Residents Are Complaining About Loud Singing
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, mostly attended by African Americans, has been receiving warnings from city officials.
Thomas A. Harris III, pastor of the 65-year old historic church, says they have received letters from the city, stating that the church’s organ, drums, and choir singing violated the city’s noise ordinance. They face fines of up to $500 per day, and could be given an additional $3,529 fine if the music isn’t kept to a minimum.
“Kind of hard to believe because we’ve been here about 65 years in the community and all of a sudden we get some concerns about the noise,” Harris said.
But that’s not the only thing the neighbors are complaining about. Reportedly, Oakland Police now get over 700 calls per month regarding “suspicious” cars and people. But many locals say, when officers arrive, it usually turns out to be nothing. via
Black Church Fined by City Because Residents Are Complaining About Loud Singing was originally published on wzakcleveland.com
